Emojis: Developing Enthusiasm in Writing

Abstract

This technology-infused lesson leveraged learners’ interest in emojis to develop vocabulary, fluency, and confidence as writers. Drawing upon emojis from smart phones awakened learners’ enthusiasm for writing. We chose this common form of technology based on the resources available in the after-school setting. This lesson is part of a semester-long afterschool writing club which meets once a week. Drawing on Graves’ (1983) writing process model, learners wrote stories over three weeks using emojis to scaffold their writing. Some had difficulty with figuring out the integration of emojis into their compositions. However, through examples and conversing with others, this barrier was overcome. This is an instructor-friendly activity which can be implemented in schools.